B(C6F5)3-catalyzed oxidative deamination/cyclization cascade reaction of benzylamines and ketones for the synthesis of 2,4,6-triarylpyridines.

Graphical abstract Highlights • 0.5 mol% of B(C 6 F 5) 3 promoting oxidative deamination/cyclization cascade reaction. • Constructing 2,4,6-triarylpyridines under metal-free and solvent-free condition. • Easy access to PBAPP, a key intermediate of aramid fiber. Abstract The B(C 6 F 5) 3 -catalyzed oxidative deamination/cyclization cascade reaction of benzylamines and ketones for the construction of 2,4,6-triarylpyridines under metal-/solvent-free conditions has been successfully achieved. The advantages of this strategy include good functional group tolerance, low catalyst loading and high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]